Lionel Messi’s remarkable double strike propelled Inter Miami to a thrilling victory over FC Dallas, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup on Sunday.
FC Dallas held a 4-2 advantage with just 10 minutes remaining, yet two late goals orchestrated a remarkable comeback, ultimately leading to a tense penalty shootout.
In the shootout at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, Inter Miami emerged victorious with a 5-3 scoreline.
Inter Miami, formerly winless in 11 matches before Messi’s arrival, have now clinched four consecutive wins. The Argentine maestro opened the scoring within six minutes, executing a superb curling shot from outside the penalty area. However, FC Dallas surged ahead with a 3-1 lead.
Amid the challenge, midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi’s effort reduced the deficit for Miami, only for a Robert Taylor own goal to extend Dallas’ advantage. In a thrilling turnaround, Miami found hope when Marco Farfan inadvertently headed a Messi cross into his own net, followed by Messi’s sensational free-kick equaliser in the 85th minute.
Man-of-the-Match awards come standard for Leo Messi.
Rewind on another brilliant display. ⏪#InterMiamiCF // #LeaguesCup2023 pic.twitter.com/1JfYr1a9Te
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 7, 2023
Messi’s impact extended to the penalty shootout, where he confidently converted his spot-kick. Former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets mirrored Messi’s success, while a missed penalty by Paxton Pomykal for Dallas proved costly.
Inter Miami have never beaten Dallas in any competition. They signed Messi and won their first ever match against Dallas thanks to a Messi madnessclass! INSANE!!!
— BeksFCB (@Joshua__Ubeku) August 7, 2023
